Gilliam was born and raised in Atlantic City, and attended Stockton University where he obtained a BA in Criminal Justice. He continued his education at the University of San Francisco obtaining a Masters in Social Work. He was elected Councilman-At-Large for the City of Atlantic City in 2008. While a member of City Council he sponsored, and succeeded in having adopted an ordinance that imposes a fine for helium balloons released outdoors in Atlantic City due to the hazard they pose to marine life. In response PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, recognized Atlantic City with their Compassionate City Award.[3]

On November 10, 2018, Mayor Gilliam and Atlantic City Councilman Jeffree Fauntleroy II were involved in a physical altercation outside the Golden Nugget’s Haven Nightclub. Surveillance video captured the mayor exchanging punches with a man, while the councilman wrestled another person to the ground. Democrats want the Atlantic City mayor and councilman out of office without pay.[4] On November 28, 2018, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland announced that he would not be filing charges in the incident.[5] On February 28, 2019, a municipal court dismissed assault and harassment charges filed against Gilliam by two individuals involved in the altercation.[6]

In 1997, an Atlantic City woman sought a restraining order against Frank Gilliam when the two were dating in college. The document stated the court found “good cause to believe that (Williams’) life, health, and well-being have been and are endangered by (Gilliam’s) acts of violence.”[7]

On Wednesday, December 29, 2010, then Councilman-at-Large Frank Gilliam allegedly assaulted a man for walking too close to his car. [8]

On December 3, 2018, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents raided Gilliam’s home, removing computer equipment and boxes. An FBI spokesperson said the Internal Revenue Service was also involved in the search. Neither agency has publicly revealed the reason behind the raid and to date no charges have been filed in connection with the raid.[9]